I would like to first apologize to New Scientist magazine for using bad taste and calling them Cheapos. Their staff and reporters provide excellent coverage in understanding science and the world we live in. I would like to thank Claire Bowles, a PR officer with New Scientist for bringing it to my attention. My angst towards the magazine is directed by the fact that they will not put a majority of their work on line for free as other publications have done. That said, if you can get to a New Scientist magazine regularly either through subscription or otherwise, I do recommend it.


A Fresh Squeeze has put out some advice on how to be an eco friendly traveler. They have also teamed up with Vivaterra, to have a sign up program that will make you available to get a $200 gift certificate from Vivaterra.


ENN has been keeping track of the news in Bali where the international community is discussing a succession plan to Kyoto.

December eco notes

Hey


A Fresh Squeeze has come out with some eco shopping ideas for the eco concious person. They also have information on how the Energy Star website can guide into purchasing eco friendly appliances. Don't forget to sign up for A Fresh Squeeze updates through wikipower.


There is a recent New Scientist article named "Why Go Green" discusses and breaks down the carbon footprint around the world. Unfortunately, you will have to go to a book store or library if you do not have a subscription. Cheapos!


ENN continues its fine reporting on climate change like the US Government's National Renewable Energy Lab's commitment to cut emissions by 75% and other relevant items.


Sierra Club is looking for your help in persuading your respective member in Congress to pass a strong energy bill that is currently under debate and close to a vote. Head to the web site and they will point you to your respective member in Congress.

HS students coming through

Hey

Students and faculty from Warren, Walter Payton College Prep, Northside College Prep, Julian, Francis Parker, Jones College Prep, North Lawndale College Prep, Hubbard High School, Von Stueben, and Curie came together on Nov 30 in a meeting hosted by DePaul's Environmental Science Chair James Montgomery to continue the "Greening the HS Campus" Partnership to discuss and find solutions for their respective institution's environmental issues.


The meeting centered around the idea of collectively bringing awareness of environmental issues to the schools' students and local community. Students from each school were able to talk about their ideas, goals and agendas during the meeting. To have such a group that represents a growing portion of the Chicago Community was very encouraging. Mike Mieszala, a faculty member at Warren High School was quoted as saying that "I really thought that the kids did a great job! There seems to be many positive experiences that can evolve from this."

Some of the solutions the students discussed ranged from simple paper recycling projects to recycling solar thermal panel installation to recycled art projects to eco friendly cutlery and trays.

The group will be meeting next in January. If you think you or someone you know might be interested in attending, please email keanemd@gmail.com for more details.

Holiday stuff, BP, articles, and more

Hey everyone



A Fresh Squeeze has put out a list of local eco friendly toy and gift making companies (Treeblocks, Scrappynation, Xeko, The Earth Friends, Building Blocks, Timeless Toys, and Chicago Kids Bookstore) for the holiday shopper.

They also have written about recycling issues in the city and how to still go about recycling your materials.


Environmental News Network has also covered eco friendly shops as well as having articles concerning the conservation, trade, and many environmentally friendly topics.

The Chicago Tribune has an article outlining what the effects of the BP waste dumping into Lake Michigan.

The New York Times wrote an article on Chicago's Green Alleys. It mentions the fact that the city is doing some innovative environmental things while still being unable to create a workable recycling program. In my opinion, this city has gone far too long without a well working recycling program and it is clear that the government of the city is not going to do anything about it. So I hope you will join me in letting our representatives know that this is unacceptable by contacting your alderman. The city's web site is www.cityofchicago.org.

RED and more

Doing some research, I found out about a company called Recycled Energy Development that takes factories waste heat and converts it into viable power. Check out the web site and take a look at the size of their projects. Please pass on this company's info to any manufacturing execs that you might know. This is quite a large initiative and it seems like this company makes a difference in lessening the amount of greenhouse gases released by substantial margins.



ENN has reported that auto sales hit a 15 year low. This can be looked at as a good thing or a bad thing. The number of new cars on the road is less but the number of older cars off the road is probably less also. The story is below.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/25369

There are a ton of new articles on emagazine.com. They cover Chevy's "green" designation to having a low carbon diet.

Environmental News Network

Hey


I have discovered a website named Environmental News Network. After spending some time perusing the site, I can tell you that its articles are informative and engaging. I recommend you take a look.


I know that the Bee movie with Jerry Seinfeld has a very important environmental message. The movie highlights the importance of the bees ability to pollinate the environment. It should be something kids and adults should remember the next time they see a flower filled landscape.

Veteran's day environmentalism notes

Hey everyone

First, happy veteran's day to all who have served or are serving now.

Now on to the environment!

The Sun Times today had a piece in the editorial section about cutting the recycling program due to budget concerns.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/645998,CST-EDT-edit12a.article

A Fresh Squeeze has provided an easy link to its site from wikipower. Click on the link below to sign up for its regular email information. It has provided this blog me with a lot of good information that has helped us all be more environmentally concious. I encourage you to click on the link below and sign up for their web updates (they come around once a week).


http://afreshsqueeze.com/index.php?site=6JF3JO9Z

There is an immense conference on energy being held in San Francisco on December 5th and 6th. It is run by Think Equity, one of the top investment firms around, and will have over 50 high level speakers. You can see the list by going to the Think Equity web site. If you have the time, I highly recommend it.

The Environmental Magazine has a great article on the amount of wind energy production, saying that it doubled 2007 expectations with over 4000 megawatts of power. The link is below.

http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3969

As always, let me know if you want to be added or taken off the email list. I don't divulge any info to anyone. Please tell others to check the site out and sign up on the email list. All comments and concerns are welcome.